Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate Podcast: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!

How many seniors in your family or neighborhood live alone and use adaptive aids? My mother lived alone until we changed the narrative. In the United States, millions of older adults live independently with the help of walking aids. While you work on a transition plan, there are a few things you can do. Being proactive is essential with seniors living alone. Listen in for more insight.

I am the first to acknowledge how difficult it was seeing my mother age. Watching the changes in the day-to-day activities, let alone suggesting she needed help, was an interesting time. She initially was resistant but later took much joy in all the pampering she received. She was so grateful for all the care, inside the family and outside the family circle. Have you thought about who is in your c...

The diminished hearing of someone could result from earwax buildup. Do not go straight for the hearing aids. When earwax is unable to perform its duty due to buildup, or earwax blockage (hardened ear wax) that covers the opening in the ears, this can cause hearing loss.  Listen in for more insightful information!

COVID-19! Yes, I went there! What one believes in, one shares!  I want our precious elders to live as long as God allows. I know it is scary with the massive amounts of information and might I add, misinformation that has us all in a tizzy. Listen in for more wonderful and insightful information. Let's take care of our seniors.

Caregivers, Multi-Tasking and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)  Caregivers are jugging an array of activities and duties. They cover the gamut of areas, like work, schools, children, and home obligations while caring for a loved one. Lord knows; I did it for many years. Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) provides employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. It also requi...

I was listening to a podcast yesterday and heard the term ‘Elder Orphans. ’ Have you heard the term before? I had not, but it aroused my interest as a life-long learner. So, what are Elder Orphans? Listen in! If you consider yourself an “ Elder Orphan” now is the time, today is the day to begin putting a plan in place.

Caregivers and Caregiving on My Mind - this Inauguration Day!  What 'say' we to the New Administration on caregivers' needs and the art of caregiving. I will continue to ask for visual outcomes and continual conversations.  We have made progress, most noticed with AARP's presence for senior information and support. There are also a host of caregiving platforms; all aligned with the same...

Happy Luther King, Jr. Day! Caregivers: Here is a Quote Martin Luther King, Jr., Left Us to Ponder: Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t’ have to make your subject and verb agree to serve ... You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.” Martin Luther King, Jr. As caregivers, the...

As we age, our vision ages with us. Make no mistake about it! We know our vision is a huge part of our movements. Frankly, our vision owns us and if you do not believe me, ask someone who has diminished vision or has lost their vision entirely. Vision health is important! Make regular vision examinations a part of your caregiving role. Vision health is just as important as other health needs.

As we get older, so does our skin. The skin, also called the epidermis, is the outermost layer of the body. We think in detail about our skin when we are young and self-sufficient. However, as a caregiver and responsible for others' care, we must think about detailed skin care practices in the elderly. As a caregiver, your role is to pay attention to the skin of your loved one. Start at the head a...

It has taken me a few days to collect myself. For sure, being silent was NOT an option! As with many of you, the 6th of January 2021 will forever be in our minds and memory. While more critical issues are facing us, we witnessed an event that left me, saying, “God heal our land.” What else can one say? I am your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, and my platform is to a voice and resource for the careg...

The word CAREGIVING is recognized as an action role, meaning that helping someone (elderly, children, ill persons) is the primary function. The individual(s), often a part of a family’s network assists with helping loved ones navigate their personal world. What words can we put in our spirit to embrace serving others? Listen to hear more.

One of the essential tasks in the world of proactive caregiving is health awareness. Have you taken dental health seriously? Before a problem or situation arises, open and say Ahh .  That’s right look around the food reservoir cavity. Dentist health is as important as physical health.  So, as we look at ways to be proactive, let your mission consider dental health.

Caregivers: Let the Year 2021 be the year of asking for help! Many feel, including me, that being a caregiver is a lonely role. It does feel like it sometimes, but the reality is, we are never alone.  Let the year 2021 be the year of asking for help. Happy New Year!

Caregiving: The Last Wednesday of 2020 When one takes an oath not to harm, the commitment is based on the care of others. There is no algorithm to care for others, no secret sauce, or unique concoction necessary to care for someone. It starts with a yearning to help and a heart to serve. It begins with the spirit that considers putting yourself in the place of someone needing care. Reach out to so...

How did we do caring for each other during  Christmas time? Did we stay away or did we travel and put our loved ones in jeopardy? Time will tell if our actions were worth it. Until next time, be safe, be well, bye for now.

Chronic health conditions can make everyday responsibilities challenging for older adults. Chronic health conditions are defined as ongoing and lifelong. Many chronic diseases generally offer a prewarning. Pre-warnings that are often ignored by the hearer. Managing chronic health conditions is lifelong, in most cases, controlled by an array of treatment options and guidance. Caregivers need to kno...

The holiday season can be a distressing time for seniors, especially those living alone and in nursing facilities. As caregivers, we need self-joy first and then we can share the joy with our loved ones. This episode offers ways to bring joy and infuse laughter.

Have you ever considered how costly the caregiving role can be? The financial portion of caregiving is assumed by those not directly involved in the role's day-to-day duties.  Money matters, plus, it is needed to provide supplies, services, and equipment that a loved one may need. Money helps in making choices, and if not discussed, it can create friction between family members.

Male caregivers are capable of caring for a loved one. They must be recognized and have the necessary resources and support, so they too can effectively navigate the role.

Introduction to my 1st Podcast Entitled:  Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate Podcast: Dr. Cynthia Speaks ! Caregiving is something we all will face at some point in time. We will be a caregiver. We will need a caregiver, or a caregiver will need us.  My 20-year journey of caring for my mother and my professional background as a nurse has given me a passion to help others navigate the worl...